Self-care is a big topic among moms. Is it possible or just a fantasy? I took the challenge, a busy mom of 4, to try to fit in as many self-care moments into one day as I can (WITH 4 kids home). Curious how it turned out? You can find that video HERE. I hope this list encourages you that with a little creativity, you really CAN fit me time into your day-to-day life.
- Dedicate some time to devotions:
There is literally no better way to start my morning that with my Jesus and my coffee. It really helps me set the tone for the entire day. - Enjoy some morning sun:
Did you know that morning sun has some special properties that help with your mood? Don’t believe me? Make it a morning ritual for one week and make note of how you feel. I truly believe you’ll see a huge difference! - Elevate your shower with eucalyptus:
This is one of the simple and inexpensive things I do every month or so to elevate my shower experience. The smell is divine and a fresh bunch from Trader Joe’s only costs about $4. - Relax your muscles with massage oil:
I always had this impression that using a massage oil had to be this time consuming thing. But when my Ayurvedic Practitioner recommended this morning practice, I came to realize how simple it really was. I love using THIS OIL (affiliate link) by warming it under hot water, massaging it over my body, and hopping in the shower after 5 minutes. - Relaxing shower:
It’s amazing how a quick rinse off in the shower can calm my muscles but also give me space to reset if I’m having a rough morning. Lately I’ve been listening to an encouraging podcast during this time. One of my favorites is the “Wynne The Day” podcast by my friend Wynne Elder because they are short and practical, designed specifically with the busy mom in mind. - Taking care of your skin:
Making the time in your day for this simple routine can do wonders for your mood (and your skin). - Grounding with essential oils:
One of my favorite morning routines is to put a drop of frankincense in my palms and breath deeply for some grounding. If you want to learn more about my favorite brand of EO’s, you can find that post HERE. - Practice a quick yoga routine:
Working out in general I think is great self-care, but specifically yoga has this mind-body connection that helps me truly feel better. If you need a jumping off point, I really love Boho Beautiful on YouTube.
- Enjoy an intentional breakfast:
Breakfast may seem like a silly thing to add to this list, but if you are slightly scattered feeling a lot of the time, like I am, it’s easy to forget to eat. Intentionally making time to cook myself a well balanced breakfast, rather than just grabbing something on the go, makes the world of a difference in my energy levels throughout the day. If you need some ideas, I share some of my favorite breakfast foods HERE.
- Take the time to do my hair:
Let’s face it, most of the time our hair is lucky to be brushed before it is swept up into another mom bun. Wouldn’t it feel nice to fancify it for the day? How would that make you feel? - Experiment with new makeup:
As a creative soul, I feel so refreshed when I get to take the time to paint my face. It doesn’t hurt that those glances in the mirrors throughout the day make me feel pretty. Need a new clean beauty brand to spruce up your routine? Check out my new love HERE (affiliate link). - Have a creative outlet:
There are so many avenues you could take with this. And it could be as simple as coloring with your kid! My creative outlet of choice is painting. It’s been far too long since I’ve made time for this, but I know I feel like a different person once I’ve let all that pent up emotion (good or bad) out onto a canvas. - Have an intentional coffee break:
If you’re like me, coffee is an essential part of each morning. But sometimes, when I’m busy making breakfast and rushing the kids off to school…I don’t get to enjoy it quietly. It’s so rejuvenating to actually sit down quietly and really savor a cup. - Listen to a podcast:
I like to use these as an opportunity to learn and grow, but I know there are some great entertaining ones out there you might prefer. If you would like a list of my favorites, find me over on Instagram and send me a DM. I would happily share! - Get musical:
One of my personal goals is to be known as someone who’s house was filled with music. Sometimes its as easy as asking Alexa to play my favorite playlist! But when I have the time, I really enjoy pounding those ivory keys and getting to sing a bit! - Breath in some fresh air:
This is literally my GO TO trick when anyone (self included) is stuck in a bad mood. Would you agree that fresh air is a great way to snap out of it? - Enjoy a dance break:
And if being outside doesn’t do the trick, I’ll tell ya… It’s pretty hard to stay grumpy when you’ve got a good beat playing and you’re shaking your body. - Paint your nails:
For me this takes a moment of quiet, focus, a bit of creativity, and plenty of patience. All which are SO GOOD for my mental state. You? - Do the laundry (in peace):
I know, I know. I don’t like doing the laundry either. So make it fun! Make it a moment! Pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on some tunes, put the kids in front of the tv if you have to, and fold it in peace. Its a million times better than the alternative! - Savor a special snack:
Is there something you love to snack on and really don’t like to share? Several come to mind right now, I’m not going to lie. And one of my favorite moments to enjoy it is that 20 minutes right before I have to go leave to pick up my kids from school. - Call a friend to chat:
As human beings we were made for connection. That’s why loneliness among moms is such a prevalent problem. Its so easy to get sucked into everything that motherhood entails and not even remember the last adult conversation you’ve had! Can you relate? A call with a friend is a simple way to fix this. Trust me. And if you feel like lack of time is a factor, I would encourage you to look into the Marco Polo app (not sponsored). It has made connecting with friends so much easier for me because we can send each other video messages on our own time and watch when we get a moment. So easy! - Pour a glass of wine:
Or another drink of choice…. It’s about intentionally savoring a moment! - Do an under arm detox mask:
Have you heard of this? Furthermore, have you done this? Absolute game changer for me. If you’d like to learn more about this simple step, leave me a comment. Maybe I’ll have to do another post on it. - Savor your skin care routine (again):
Do you wash your face twice a day? You should. I should. (I don’t always.) Yes, its important to wash off your makeup and take care of your skin. But its also another opportunity for self-care! When I look at it that way, I guess I do want to wash my makeup off tonight! - Take the time for a facial mask:
Not daily, of course! But choose a day a week where you can escape up to your room for 15 minutes and indulge yourself. You deserve it, mama! - Relax with a soak in the Bath:
Yes, it can be hard to make the time to take a bath. But have you ever stepped out of a bathtub feeling worse? I’m going to take a stab in the dark and say, “probably not.” So worth it? I think so. - Enjoy a good book:
I wasn’t always very good about making the time to read, but now I look forward to it so much! Its one of the few times I can completely shut my brain off. - Get into gratitude journaling:
This simple practice of breaking out my journal and pen has really helped me to look for the good in each day. Have you ever had one of those days that your spouse gets home from work and you’re borderline in tears saying, “today was awful”? Not that I have experience with that. But sometimes, when I take the time to write down things I’m grateful for, even in those miserable moments, I realize the day wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I just was having a bad moment. - Schedule that massage:
This is one of the best things I have started scheduling regularly into my month. But if that doesn’t fit your budget, maybe consider swapping massages with your hubby one night a week. - Join a mom group:
I know for some of you anxiety is instantly creeping up at the thought of having to meet with strangers. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated! Yes, there are probably MOPS programs at your church or small groups you can sign up for. OR you could consider hosting something at your house one day a week. Or one day a month! Be the instigator and get some people together. I’m sure they need it as much as you. But if even that just feels like too much right now (because I get it, I really do), please go check out the Lookup Collective! A few of my mom friends who both happen to be Christian life coaches, teamed up to create this awesome community! And my favorite part? It takes place off of social media so there are no distractions. It just might be the self-care you need right now. Learn more about this community HERE.
I would love if you would take a moment and leave me a comment, telling me how you intend to incorporate self-care into your schedule this week. And if you haven’t already, take a moment to see what implementing self-care can look like in real life in this video!
